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Review: Deep in the Sahara by Kelly Cunnane

Lalla wants to wear a malafa just like the other women in her family do. Lalla tells her mother she wants to be beautiful just like her, but her mother says that a malafa is about more than beauty. Lalla tells her sister that she wants to be mysterious just like her, but her sister says that a malafa is about more than mystery. Seeing all of the women in their malafa, Lalla tells her cousin that she wants to be like all of them, but she replies that a malafa is more than that. Her grandmother too says that a malafa is about more than tradition. Finally, Lalla goes back to her mother and explains that she wants to be able to pray like her mother does. Her mother agrees, saying “A malafa is for faith." And the two face east and pray together in their malafa.

Set in Mauritania, this book celebrates the Muslim faith in a very beautiful way. Written in the second person, readers are invited to see themselves as Lalla and learn about her faith and her world. Cunnane writes beautiful descriptions of both the malafa themselves and also the community where Lalla lives. There are donkeys, camels, and other exotic things, but Cunnane goes deeper than that and paints a world with pink houses shaped like cakes and silver heels that click on tiles.

Hadadi’s art is jewel toned and filled with details. She has created a warm and loving community for Lalla to explore with the reader. The beauty of the malafa are shown, the colors of the rooms, and the tangible love of an extended family.

An accessible and beautiful look at a Muslim community that dazzles. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from digital galley received from Edelweiss and Schwartz & Wade.